Improvement in back-braces



E. 4P. BANNING, Jr.V

Patented March 12A, 1,872;I

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDMUND r. BANNTNG, Jn., oE NEW YoEK, N. Y., AssrGNoE To BANNING TRUss AND BEAGE COMPANY,77 or sAME PLAGE.

IMPROVEMENT IN BACK-BRACES.

Specilication forming part of Letters Patent No. 124,473, dated March l2, 1872.

Specification describing a new and Improved Back-Brace invented by EDMUND P. BANNING, J r., of the city of New York, in the county and State of New York.

Figure l represents a back view of my improved back-brace; Fig. 2 is a vertical central section of the same; and Fig. 3, a transverse section on the line C C, Fig. 2.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

This invention relates to a new back-bone brace., and consists in a new arrangement of parts, more particularly in the method of the adjustable application of an up-and-down adjustable and partly flexible fulcrum for the same, as hereinafter more fully described.

A in the drawing represents the back-bone brace, made of a flat spring of proper length, width, and thickness, and sufficiently powerful for the purposes to which it is to be applied. The spring is inclosed in a sheath or covering, a, oi' suitable fabric. Its upper end carries a pivoted transverse piece or plate, B, to the ends of which the upper parts of the shoulder-straps G C are secured. The lower ends of these shoulder-straps are secured by links b b, or otherwise, to a short strap, d, projecting from the sheath a, as shown, or directlyT to said sheath. The straps G contain buckles, c, or equivalent devices, for being lengthened or shortened, according to the ligure of the patient, the upper plates B being pivoted allows free side motion to the body without affecting the position of the spring A. To the lower end of the spring A is pivoted another transverse piece or plate, D, to which the bodybelt E is connected. The pivoting of the piece D offers the same advantages as that of B. The fulcrum of the brace is formed by two small metallic pads or plates, F F, which are, by more or less flexible joints f j', secured to a transverse bar, g, that slides on the spring A. By means of a plate, h, secured or bolted to g, the latter is transformed into a sleeve that embraces the spring A, and can be vertically adjusted thereon. rlhe pads F can therefore be set up or down at will to fit the small of the back of the patient.

I am aware that the dorsal pads have been adjustably secured to the central upright spring, and I therefore do not claim this of itself.

Having thus described my invention, l claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patentl. The combination of back-piece B curved to pass over shoulder-blades and coneaved to throw lever close into back, and adjustable, flexible straps secured thereto and to the central spring A, the spring back-bone brace A, and the pivoted sacral or body-belt plate l), when constructed and arranged as and for the purpose set forth.

2. Themethod of fasteningthe dorsal springs or pads F to the dorsal lever A, by means of double plates embracing the upright spring A and two set-screws applied at the ends thereof, as and for the purpose described.

E. P. BANNING, JR.

Witnesses A. V. BRIEsEN, B. O. GLOVER. 

